Cocaine is derived from the coca plant in South America. Cocaine comes from coca paste (Coca leaves mixed with kerosene) and then dried in the sun. This yellow paste can be smoked. Then the paste is made into powdered cocaine. The cocaine found on the streets can be mixed or "cut" with sugar, PCP, speed, benzocaine and even heroin.

Cocaine is a stimulant that speeds up the work of the body. A few minutes after snorting cocaine the high begins. It can peak in 15-20 minutes. The effects can disappear within one hour.

Cocaine can be sniffed or snorted, smoked (Free-base) or injected.

Cocaine comes in a white crystalline powder. Crack can be white or tan pellets or rock like substances.

Cocaine has two effects. It is a stimulant and an anesthetic. It causes the inside of the nose to get numb, the blood vessels dilate, blood pressure may get elevated, heart rate may increase, pupils dilate, vomiting or stomach pains, and the respiratory rate increases. Loss of appetite, seizures, and even death can occur. A person can suffer from stuff or runny nose.

Cocaine users experience a feeling of well being when high and a state of depression when the effects wear off. A person may experience paranoia, tactile hallucinations, disturbances in sleep patterns, anger outbursts, and experience cognitive impairment.

Crack or Free-base is extremely powerful and addictive. The effects can be seen within 10 seconds. Making it the most addictive drug.